Madras HC Restrains O Panneerselvam From Using AIADMK Symbol, Flag, Letterhead

The Madras High Court on Monday restrained the former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam from using All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (AIADMK) from using party symbol, letterhead and flag.

In September 2023, the high court upheld EPS’s appointment as general secretary.

Source : PTI

The Madras High Court on Monday restrained the former Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam from using All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham (AIADMK) from using party symbol, letterhead and flag.

 

Madras High Court restrains expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam from using party symbol, flag and letterhead

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Earlier on January 19, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with another Madras High Court's order that upheld the expulsion of O Panneerselvam (OPS) and three others from the AIADMK.

The apex court while dismissing the plea observed that there appears to be a split in the party and it wont be proper to interfere at this stage. The top court refused to interfere with the high court order saying that an injunction at this stage will lead to a huge chaos.

OPS along with several other members of AIADMK were expelled on July 11, 2022 after Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS) was elected as the interim general secretary of the party in general council meeting of the party.

In August 2023, the Madras high court refused to stay the expulsion of OPS and three others from the AIADMK. The high court relied on the party bylaws and upheld the expulsion saying that the bylaws made it clear that the general council is the ultimate authority to take disciplinary action against any party members. 

In September 2023, the high court upheld EPS’s appointment as general secretary.

After AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa passed away in 2016, two factions led by OPS and EPS emerged in the party. EPS became the Chief Minister and OPS became the deputy chief minister. In 2021, the party lost in Assembly elections and EPS became the leader of opposition and OPS became the deputy leader of opposition. 

However, EPS's followers started voicing concern over two party heads and pitched for a single leadership. In June 2023, OPS wanted to move a resolution supporting dual leadership in party. A subsequent political and legal battle ensued withing the party and OPS along with his supporters were expelled from the party.